Is the Gem Jr. the least agressive Gem?

[Skrymr]

I just finished shaving with my Gem Jr. and got DFS with zero irritation. I used a Walgreens Gem blade, and uberlather made with glycerin, C.O. Bigelow, and a VDH puck (the pink one). The only change to my normal routine was the Gem Jr. This was my first time using it, although I have used my gem Micromatic's, one open comb, and one closed comb. While the open comb was my favorite until now, I usually get irritation when I shave with anything but a Tech with a Feather blade in it. So, I have two questions.

1) Is the Gem Jr. less agressive than other Gems? Or could it be that my technique is just getting better?

2) Are the Ted Pella PTFE coated blades sharper or smoother than the Walgreen's Gem blades?

 

[danparker77]

IMO the Micromatic is the most aggressive of the Gem's followed by the JR/1912 (same head) then the whimpy G-bar and Featherweight. I also think the Ted Pella blades are by far the best I have used, however as far as blades go there aren't a whole lot of choices out there.

 

[MrGuy]

The Jr's are pretty easy on the face. Most guys rank them as one of the least aggressive GEMs. Technique has a lot to do with it as well though. Any GEM razor can give a nasty bite if not treated with respect.

I prefer the blades sold from Ted Pella, but the Walgreen's blades are fine blades. The TP's seem to last longer and stay smoother for me. I don't know which is "sharper", but they have a visibly different grind.

 

[Slivovitz]

It's kind of hard for me to judge relative aggressiveness unless there's really a huge difference. A Gem 1912 easily gives me a close shave, and I wouldn't exactly call it mild. I think it's one of the easiest SE razors to control, which makes cuts and irritation less likely.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

I would think that one of the "Contour" models would be at the least aggressive end of the scale.

DD

 

[Skrymr]

It's kind of hard for me to judge relative aggressiveness unless there's really a huge difference. A Gem 1912 easily gives me a close shave, and I wouldn't exactly call it mild. I think it's one of the easiest SE razors to control, which makes cuts and irritation less likely.

I know what you mean. I have the Gem jr. with the fat handle, and it just "felt" right in my hand, and on my face.

 

[Jaymo]

I like my Junior and 1912. They give great shaves without tearing my face up. My Micromatic is great but I can do a lot of damage to myself, if I'm not on top of my game.

I like the carbon steel Treet SE blades from ASR. I get them at Rite Aid. I only get 3 or 4 good shaves with them, but they shave with less effort, for me.

BTW, what other Gems does the Pushbutton compare to, in terms of aggressiveness? Is it like a Junior, a Micromatic?

 

[BBrad]

I like the carbon steel Treet SE blades from ASR. I get them at Rite Aid. I only get 3 or 4 good shaves with them, but they shave with less effort, for me.

I noticed a big difference between the ASR Treet blades and the ASR Gem blades. Gems last longer, but Treets are definitely smoother.

Thought maybe I was just nutz . . . but at least one other person feels like the carbon steel shaves smoother!

 

[Zumkopf]

The featherweights and the pushbuttons should shave about the same, but their lighter handles make them a tad trickier in my book. Jrs. would be next. But for all-around excellence, I'd have to go with the 1912 Damaskeene. Almost as gentle as the G-Bar, and gives an excellent shave.

 

[Haiku]

I can't comment on the blades, but the Gem "G" is certainly very mild compared to my 1912 Jr.

 

[Skrymr]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm still learning about Gem razors and the more I learn about them, and use them, the more I like them. I've been on the hunt in the antique stores around here for some of the older versions, but haven't found one yet. As far as what I've used, my open comb MM is still my favorite because I love the aggressiveness of it. Followed very closely by the Gem Jr. because of how smooth it felt throughout the shave. I can't wait to get more to try.

 

[GentsInstinct]

I would think that one of the "Contour" models would be at the least aggressive end of the scale.

DD

+1

The GEM Contour II is the wimp of wimps in the GEM line. Followed by the 1950s GEM Push-Button. To me anyway. I was surprised to find the GEM Contour I to be as aggressive as it is.